Dear Johnnie: Recently, I was coming home before 4 p.m. on the 300 block of Martin Street. There was a cop in front of me driving over the speed limit of 25.

I was behind him, and the lights on the sign kept flashing, showing that he was going 33 miles per hour. He wasn't on an emergency run because his flashing signals on his car weren't on. He was just cruising down Martin Street.

If he doesn't show a good example for the public, why should we have to slow down? -- Just Curious

Dear Curious: You aren't the first person to wonder about officers driving beyond the speed limit -- or breaking other traffic rules -- without any sign of an emergency. I've received and answered this type of question before, but it's been a few years.

At times, a police officer gets a call that doesn't require an emergency response, with lights and sirens. However, those calls might require the officer to get to the scene as expeditiously as possible. That could be what you witnessed.

But, it might not have been.

Violations you witness can be reported to the police department. You should try to get the car number, which is posted on the back or side of the vehicle, or the license plate number. Then call the dispatch center at 303-651-8555.

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Even if the officer was breaking the law for no good reason, you still should obey the traffic laws for a good reason: It's the right thing to do. If you were traveling north on Martin, then you were entering a neighborhood, full of families, many with children. Further, there are several side streets that intersect Martin in that neighborhood. So, as a driver, you have plenty of things to watch for as you travel between Third and Ninth avenues. So, no matter who you see driving faster than 25 mph, keep doing the right thing.

Dear Readers: Thanks for making 2012 another wonderful year. Your curiosity is a community service, so keep it up.

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